SE Valley Times

The Chandler City Council has approved the purchase of 10 ambulances for the Chandler Fire Department. This decision marks an initial step toward implementing a municipal emergency ambulance system in the future.

One of these ambulances will replace a current vehicle used at special events, for training purposes, and as a reserve unit when required. The funds to purchase this vehicle are included in this year’s capital improvement program for fire emergency vehicle replacements. Delivery of this replacement unit is anticipated in fall 2025.

The other nine ambulances will support a future transition to a municipal emergency ambulance system. These vehicles will be purchased through an enterprise fund that will be created to support ambulance transportation services in Chandler. Delivery of these vehicles is expected in fall 2026, facilitating the launch of a municipal emergency ambulance service in January 2027.

Last month, the City Council held a work session to discuss transitioning to a municipal emergency ambulance system. There are currently twelve jurisdictions in the Valley that have made this transition, including every jurisdiction surrounding Chandler.

The City Council reviewed the results of a feasibility study conducted earlier this year by the James Vincent Group. The study analyzed resource needs, deployment, and costs associated with establishing a municipal ambulance service. It concluded that it is both operationally and financially feasible for Chandler Fire to provide ambulance services for the community.